What is Cyclothymic Disorder?

This video describes Cyclothymic Disorder. Cyclothymic Disorder can be thought of as a mild version of Bipolar Disorder. Cyclothymic Disorder is characterized by depressive symptoms and manic symptoms for at least two years. The symptoms do not rise to the level of Major Depressive Disorder or a manic episode. If someone with Cyclothymic Disorder at any point meet the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder, they would no longer qualify for the diagnosis for Cyclothymic Disorder. Somewhere between 15 – 50% of individuals with Cyclothymic Disorder will eventually develop Bipolar Disorder. Clinically significant distress is required for Cyclothymic Disorder. The lifetime prevalence for Cyclothymic Disorder is under 1%, however, there is evidence to suggest Cyclothymic Disorder is underreported. The risk of developing Cyclothymic Disorder is the same for males and females.